SAUGUS — Replacement of the Belden Bly Bridge will begin later than originally planned.
The timeline for the bridge replacement project, which is expected to cost more than $80 million and take about three years, originally had construction beginning in spring 2019. But it has since been pushed to next year.
“That may have been an initial project schedule, however, as always, the schedule of work is dependent upon numerous factors including design work and considerations,” said Massachusetts Department of Transportation spokesman Patrick Marvin.
The project will be advertised for construction bids by fall 2019 and construction is expected to begin by spring 2020, said Marvin.
At a 2016 hearing on the proposed project, project manager Paul King said construction was expected to last about three-and-a-half years.
It was said to include constructing the replacement for the previously removed permanent drawbridge. Portions of Route 107 at each bridge approach and at the Ballard Street intersection will be reconstructed.
A temporary drawbridge was constructed beside the original 1913 Belden Bly Bridge to allow one lane of traffic to run in each direction between Western Avenue in Lynn and Route 107 in Saugus while it was demolished. The temporary bridge will be demolished once the permanent structure is erected.
The proposal was for the temporary bridge, which was completed in 2013, to be removed. The existing water main would be replaced along the approaches and beneath the river. Sidewalks would be added to both sides of Route 107, in addition to a bicycle lane.
The marine channel would be widened from 40 feet to 50 feet and the bridge would be elevated one additional foot. Also in the proposal was the addition of vehicle turning lanes at the intersection of Ballard Street and Route 107.
In March, mariners were asked by the Coast Guard to comment on the placement of a bridge protection system and other navigational safety issues associated with new infrastructure to replace the Belden Bly Bridge.
The Coast Guard requested that boat owners provide information about their vessels, including type of vessel, length, draft, beam, and height from the waterline to the highest fixed point and to appurtenant structures like tuna towers, flying bridge, fixed antennas and radar units.
The project is planned to be funded through the 2019 Transportation Improvement Program for the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization.
